When receiving refrigerated or frozen products, what is the first step that should be taken?

The first step when receiving refrigerated or frozen products is to unpack them immediately to maintain the cold chain. This is crucial because temperature-sensitive products can easily reach unsafe temperatures if not handled properly upon arrival. By unpacking the items right away, the pharmacy technician ensures that these products remain at the appropriate temperature, reducing the risk of spoilage or degradation, which can occur if they are left in a warmer environment for an extended period.

In the context of handling pharmaceuticals, maintaining the integrity of these products is essential for patient safety and efficacy. If products are not unpacked promptly, they may experience temperature fluctuations that could compromise their quality, leading to potential health risks for patients.

Other choices, such as checking the delivery schedule, documenting the temperature upon arrival, or placing items in the storage area without unpacking, involve important steps but should follow the immediate action of ensuring that temperature-sensitive products are properly managed as soon as they arrive. The priority is to maintain the cold chain to prevent any negative impact on product viability.